In a coordinated intelligence-led operation, the South-West Zonal Office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Command, intercepted seven trucks suspected of illegally transporting lithium ore within the region. According to the Zonal Mine Officer for the South-West, Engineer Ganiyu Ajibade, the crackdown followed credible intelligence received on Thursday, 8 January 2026, indicating that a convoy of 12 trucks had been mobilised to remove lithium ore from an active mining site in Saki, Oyo State. Acting on the information, the Ministry engaged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and DSS in Oyo State, while surveillance teams in Kwara and Ogun were directed to monitor and track the movement of the trucks carrying the mineral products in their respective states. The operation revealed that the convoy departed Saki at 11:30 p.m. on 8 January, reached Igbeti early Friday morning, and continued towards Ilorin, Kwara State by 7:00 p.m. Seven trucks were subsequently apprehended between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. along the OkoolowoEyenkorin Expressway in Kwara. One of the drivers reportedly escaped, abandoning his vehicle, while the others were detained. Upon questioning, the arrested drivers admitted they were hired by an individual to transport the lithium ore, adding that their operations were accompanied by a mine marshal personnel in Abuja. All accompanying documents issued at the mining site were also recovered during the arrest. Engineer Ajibade said the operation reflected the directives of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, who has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining activities. He affirmed that the Ministry remains committed to protecting Nigerias mineral resources and warned that enforcement against illegal mineral extraction and theft will be intensified across the country.The post Ministry of Solid Minerals and DSS intercept trucks allegedly transporting illegally mined lithium in Kwara appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
